A Spanish judge has asked the Council of Europe to lift the immunity from prosecution enjoyed by former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi as a member of the Council's parliamentary assembly.

Judge Baltasar Garzon - who is best known for his unsuccessful prosecution of former Chilean leader Augusto Pinochet - wants to open an investigation into allegations of tax fraud involving a Berlusconi-owned Spanish television channel, Telecinco.

Mr Berlusconi has rejected the allegations as baseless.

A decision is not expected before next month's general election in Italy, which Mr Berlusconi is contesting as the leader of the right-wing opposition coalition.

Request for immunity lift

Mr Berlusconi is a member of the Italian delegation of the European human
rights body's parliamentary assembly, which is made up of members
nominated by national parliaments.

Mr Garzon attempted to try Chilean former dictator Augusto Pinochet

Mr Garzon has already asked for Mr Berlusconi's immunity in the Italian and European parliaments, of which he is a member, to be lifted.

A Council of Europe spokesman said the assembly rules committee would examine Mr Garzon's request from next week and
hear Mr Berlusconi if he wished.

It would then compile a report for
the full assembly to consider, probably in June.

Mr Berlusconi, who was Italy's prime minister for much of 1997, heads an opposition bloc dominated by his Forza Italia party.

Most opinion polls give the bloc a lead of around four
points over the ruling centre-left coalition in the run-up to
the 13 May election.